Dimitrios Karaferis | Physician-patient correlation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dimitrios Karaferis | Physician-patient correlation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dimitrios Karaferis is a distinguished Economist with over two decades of expertise in Accounting and Management Studies. He earned his PhD in Health Economics and holds an MSc in Strategic Management with a specialization in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Piraeus, he is dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance the efficiency of healthcare professionals, elevate patient care standards, and modernize the healthcare system in Greece. Dr. Karaferis has established academic collaborations with Greece’s two leading universities—the University of Piraeus and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens—and has contributed more than 15 high-impact research publications in the past three years. His work focuses on improving health outcomes through data-driven decision-making and has garnered recognition in reputed journals such as MDPI and BMC.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Karaferis pursued his higher education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management. His postgraduate studies emphasized key areas such as Human Resources and Organizational Behavior. He later completed his PhD in Health Economics, further strengthening his academic foundation in evaluating healthcare systems, resource allocation, and policy analysis. His academic path is marked by interdisciplinary integration—blending economics, management, and healthcare—which uniquely positions him to contribute toward transformative strategies in healthcare delivery and administration. His commitment to lifelong learning and research has now led him to a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Piraeus, where he is focused on integrating AI and innovative technologies in healthcare. His educational background empowers him to investigate critical economic models that influence the effectiveness of hospital systems and healthcare workforce management.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Dimitrios Karaferis brings over 20 years of professional experience in the fields of economics, accounting, and management studies. His career began with a focus on managerial economics and progressed toward specialization in healthcare systems. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Piraeus, he is actively engaged in research that explores the applications of artificial intelligence and digital tools to enhance the role and performance of healthcare professionals. His collaborations with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens reflect a long-standing academic involvement, where he contributes through research, teaching, and consultancy. His experience includes significant academic publication work, policy development, and the mentoring of graduate students. In the past three years alone, he has authored more than 15 research articles, many of which are published in Scopus- and SCI-indexed journals. His practical and academic work is focused on elevating healthcare system efficiency and improving patient engagement outcomes.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Dimitrios Karaferis is recognized as a leading academic and researcher in the domain of Health Economics and Strategic Management. While specific named awards are not detailed, his nomination for the Best Researcher Award acknowledges his high-impact contributions to healthcare research and innovation. His recent publication record, including articles in peer-reviewed international journals such as Healthcare (MDPI), Hygiene, and BMC, reflects scholarly excellence and dedication to applied research. Dr. Karaferis has been an invited contributor to several academic projects and collaborates with top-tier Greek universities. His postdoctoral role itself serves as recognition of his academic credentials and innovation potential, particularly in the integration of AI in healthcare. His research citations are growing, and his leadership in multidisciplinary studies underscores his influence in both academic and policy-making circles. These achievements contribute to his eligibility and nomination for distinguished research-based awards in healthcare and management science.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Karaferis’s research focuses on improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based management strategies and the integration of AI technologies. His key areas of expertise include physician–patient interaction, personalized medicine, patient engagement and satisfaction, quality of healthcare services, and regression analysis. He explores how digital tools and AI can optimize healthcare delivery by enhancing communication between healthcare professionals and patients, leading to better treatment adherence and health outcomes. His pilot study, “Empirical Examination of the Interactions Between Healthcare Professionals and Patients Within Hospital Environments,” published in Hygiene (2025), exemplifies his approach to interdisciplinary research. He actively investigates how health systems can be restructured using strategic and economic frameworks to ensure efficiency, transparency, and improved patient care. Through collaborations with Greece’s top academic institutions, Dr. Karaferis is contributing to the development of data-driven healthcare innovations that prioritize patient-centered care and system sustainability.

Publications
  • Empirical Examination of the Interactions Between Healthcare Professionals and Patients Within Hospital Environments—A Pilot Study

    Hygiene
    2025-05-08 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Dimitris Charalambos Karaferis; Dimitris A. Niaka
  • Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence as Motivators for Healthcare Professionals

    Japan Journal of Research
    2025-01-01 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Karaferis Dimitris; Balaska Dimitra; Pollalis Yannis
  • Workplace Violence in Healthcare: Effects and Preventive Measures and Strategies

    SunText Review of Case Reports & Images
    2024 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 2766-4589
    CONTRIBUTORS: Karaferis D; Balaska
  • Enhancement of Patient Engagement and Healthcare Delivery Through the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies

    Austin Journal of Clinical Medicine
    2024-11-15 | Journal article
    Part of ISSN: 2381-9146
    CONTRIBUTORS: Department of Economic Science, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece; Dimitris Karaferis; Dimitra Balaska; Department of Economic Science, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece; Yannis Pollalis; Department of Economic Science, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece

Ejaz Ahmad Khera | Materials Simulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad Khera | Materials Simulation | Best Researcher Award


Dr. Ejaz Ahmad Khera is an Assistant Professor of Physics at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, and an HEC-approved supervisor with a PhD in the characterization of materials for memory storage and neuromorphic applications using DFT. He has published over 30 high-impact international research articles and currently leads research at the Materials Modeling and Simulation Lab, where he supervises MPhil and PhD students. His group is actively involved in developing efficient double perovskites for solar cell applications. In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Khera contributes to departmental administrative functions and has participated in multiple international conferences in physics and materials science. He is proficient in VASP, Wien2k, CASTEP, and other computational tools, reflecting his strong background in computational materials physics.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Khera earned his PhD in Physics from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (2016–2021), focusing on DFT-based characterization of materials for neuromorphic and memory applications. He holds an MPhil in Physics from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad (2012–2014), and a Master of Science in Physics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (2007–2010). His academic foundation combines theoretical physics, computational modeling, and practical understanding of solid-state and condensed matter systems. He is trained in multiple simulation platforms including VASP, Wein2k, and CASTEP, and has built expertise in data analysis software like Origin and visualization tools like VESTA and Crystal Maker. His solid academic training has enabled him to mentor graduate students in computational material science and renewable energy research domains. Dr. Khera has also enhanced his academic exposure through participation in pedagogical and research methodology training programs.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Khera is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Physics at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur since March 2022, where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, leads research, and manages academic administration. From 2019 to 2021, he was a visiting lecturer at University of Education, Multan Campus, and previously taught physics at Admire Group of Colleges (2017–2021), Muslim Group of Colleges (2013–2017), and Educators Group of Colleges (2011–2013), focusing on undergraduate and higher secondary education. Over a decade of teaching experience has honed his expertise in delivering core physics concepts and mentoring students. In his academic tenure, Dr. Khera has also built research collaborations and guided MPhil and PhD students in materials modeling. His responsibilities have included curriculum design, academic planning, and seminar coordination. He is deeply engaged in academic development through active participation in physics conferences and workshops.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Khera received the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme award from the Federal Government of Pakistan in 2018, recognizing his academic excellence and contribution to higher education. He was also granted the Punjab Government Scholarship under the Fee Reimbursement Scheme for Higher Education in 2017, awarded by the Government of Punjab. These honors reflect his academic merit, commitment to research, and service in the field of physics education. He has participated in multiple international and national-level conferences, including events hosted by The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and The Women University Multan. His consistent performance in academics and his role in teaching and research supervision have earned him institutional recognition. Additionally, his HEC-approved supervisor status further signifies his qualification and leadership in guiding advanced research projects in Pakistan. These accolades support his active involvement in national education development and scientific advancement in materials science.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Khera’s research is centered on computational materials science with a focus on density functional theory (DFT)-based investigations of electronic, optical, thermoelectric, and structural properties of novel materials. His primary interest lies in characterizing double perovskites (DPs), Heusler alloys, and vacancy-ordered compounds for use in solar cells, memory storage, brain-inspired neuromorphic systems, and energy harvesting applications. Using simulation tools like VASP, CASTEP, and Wien2k, he studies materials such as Ga₂PtX₆, Li₂ATlCl₆, and Na₂PtX₆ for their optoelectronic and thermoelectric performance. His recent publications explore halogen modification, spin polarization, and hybrid perovskites for sustainable technologies. His research group actively contributes to discovering lead-free, high-efficiency materials that align with global goals for clean and renewable energy. Dr. Khera also collaborates internationally, co-authoring papers with scientists across Asia and Europe, thereby advancing the field of computational physics and sustainable material development.

Publications

 

  • Probing the opto-electronic, thermoelectric, thermodynamic and elastic responses
    of lead-free double perovskite Li2ATlCl6 (A= Na and K) for potential photovoltaic
    and high-energy applications: A DFT study
    Reference: Qiguo Xiao, Abrar Nazir, Ejaz Ahmad Khera, Mumtaz Manzoor, Ramesh
    Sharma, Javed Rahman, Sabah Ansar, Farooq Ali
    Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921510724006895

 

  • First principles investigation of structural, electronic, optical, transport properties
    of double perovskites X2TaTbO6 (X= Ca, Sr, Ba) for optoelectronic and energy
    harvesting applications
    Reference: Mudassir Ishfaq, Muniba Urooj, Muhammad Sajid, Khawar Ismail, Rimsha
    Baqeel, Ejaz Ahmad Khera, Rajwali Khan, Sattam Al Otaibi, Khaled Althubeiti, Hassan Ali,
    Ghulam Murtaza, Muhammad Jamil
    Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022369724005675

 

 

Nathan Robert Wall | Medicine | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Nathan Robert Wall | Medicine | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Nathan R. Wall is an accomplished academic, biomedical researcher, and military officer. He is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and holds multiple leadership roles in research, oncology education, and national defense. With advanced degrees in biology, cancer biology, and business administration, he has dedicated his career to cancer research and military medical operations. Dr. Wall has served in multiple deployments with the California Army National Guard, including missions in Afghanistan, Poland, and Iraq. His military and academic excellence is recognized through numerous awards and honors. Dr. Wall combines rigorous research in molecular medicine with a passion for leadership, education, and national service. His extensive experience in academia, clinical research, and military command uniquely positions him at the intersection of science and strategic operations, contributing to both medical advancement and national security.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Nathan R. Wall is currently pursuing a Master of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Army War College (2024–2026). He earned his MBA with a focus in Management from the University of Redlands (2006–2008), and a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Wayne State University (1996–2000), where he also completed an M.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Prior to that, he obtained an M.S. in Biology (1992–1995) and a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry (1987–1991) from Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University). His graduate training included mentorship under leading scientists like Dr. Ayad M. Al-Katib and Dr. Joan M. Redd. Across disciplines—from molecular biology to strategic leadership—Dr. Wall’s education reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence, equipping him with the skills to navigate both biomedical research and complex military operations with strategic insight.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Nathan R. Wall has held academic appointments at Loma Linda University since 2008, currently serving as Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Human Anatomy. He also directs Research and Development at the James M. Slater Proton Treatment & Research Center and is Oncology Thread Director at the School of Medicine. Previously, he served in the Department of Biochemistry and Center for Health Disparities. Since 2008, Dr. Wall has simultaneously served in the California Army National Guard, rising through the ranks and completing deployments to Afghanistan, Poland, and Iraq in key command roles. He has also contributed as a scientific advisor for biotech firms and participated in Department of Defense medical research review panels. His interdisciplinary experience spans military medicine, molecular oncology, academic leadership, and national defense, making him a unique leader who bridges science, strategy, and service.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Wall’s exemplary service has earned him numerous military and civilian accolades. These include the Bronze Star Medal, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Honorable Order of Saint Martin. He’s received multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, along with California-specific honors like the California Medal of Merit and Drill Attendance Ribbon with multiple stars. Notably, he was recognized as “Citizen Warrior of the Month” by California ARNG Magazine in August 2018. Dr. Wall has also been honored with plaques and certificates from NATO, Bulgarian Joint Forces, and various military medical programs. His academic achievements include tenure at Loma Linda University and leadership roles in key training inspections. These honors reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership in medical readiness, and profound impact in both academic and military sectors.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Wall’s research focuses on cancer biology, with specific expertise in molecular mechanisms of disease, targeted therapies, and translational oncology. His work bridges basic science and clinical application, especially in the context of proton therapy and health disparities in underserved populations. At Loma Linda University, he leads interdisciplinary teams addressing tumor microenvironments, cancer signaling pathways, and innovative therapeutics. Dr. Wall also contributes to Department of Defense research as a peer reviewer, ensuring scientific rigor in funded medical studies. His research often integrates his military background, exploring how stress and trauma-related factors influence cancer biology and immune responses. As Director of R&D at a leading proton treatment center, he’s advancing precision medicine in oncology. Dr. Wall’s work is marked by its practical implications, scientific depth, and commitment to improving patient care—particularly for populations affected by health inequities or involved in military service.

Publications
  • Seco-Duocarmycin SA in Aggressive Glioblastoma Cell Lines

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-03-19 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Morcos; Yeonkyu Jung; Ryan N. Fuller; Antonella Bertucci; Amy Nguyen; Quanqing Zhang; Tobias Emge; Kristopher E. Boyle; Nathan R. Wall; Marcelo Vazquez
  • A Comprehensive Review of the Antitumor Properties and Mechanistic Insights of Duocarmycin Analogs

    Cancers
    2024-09-27 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Morcos; Yeonkyu Jung; Joab Galvan Bustillos; Ryan N. Fuller; David Caba Molina; Antonella Bertucci; Kristopher E. Boyle; Marcelo E. Vazquez; Nathan R. Wal
  • A CTB-SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 RBD Mucosal Vaccine Protects Against Coronavirus Infection

    Vaccines
    2023-12-18 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Béla Dénes; Ryan Fuller; Wayne Kelin; Tessa Levin; Jaipuneet Gil; Aaren Harewood; Márta Lőrincz; Nathan Wall; Anthony Firek; William Langridg

Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is a Brazilian physiotherapist and researcher with expertise in neuroengineering, maternal and child health, and neonatal care. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where she also completed her undergraduate studies. Valéria holds a Master’s in Neuroengineering from the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences and has extensive experience in hospital and academic settings. Her research contributions focus on neonatal neural activity and pediatric urological sequelae linked to congenital infections like Zika virus. She has served in both clinical and academic roles across various Brazilian institutions, including UFRN, ISD, HU-UFGD, and HRG. Fluent in Portuguese and proficient in English, she also acts as a journal referee and participates in numerous collaborative health projects. Valéria has earned distinctions for her dedication to education and contributions to neonatal physiotherapy research and care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is completing her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy (2021–2025) at UFRN, under Dr. Silvana Alves Pereira. She earned a Master’s in Neuroengineering (2018–2020) at the Edmond and Lily Safra Institute, supervised by Dr. Reginaldo Freitas Jr., with a CAPES scholarship. Previously, she completed a specialization in Maternal and Child Health through a multiprofessional residency at UFRN (2016–2018), also under Dr. Pereira. Her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy (2011–2015) was completed at UFRN with CNPq scholarship support. Complementary education includes over 20 short courses in areas like public health, intensive care, clinical pilates, neonatal care, and professional development, offered by institutions such as FIOCRUZ, CEDEP, UFMG, and the Albert Einstein Institute. These reflect her commitment to continuous learning and interdisciplinary training in health care and leadership. She also completed a 240-hour English language course and has participated in multiple training programs since 2009, enhancing her clinical and academic capacities.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Valéria has accumulated rich experience in public health, academic research, and clinical physiotherapy. Since 2022, she works at the University Hospital of Grande Dourados (HU-UFGD/Ebserh) as a government-employed physiotherapist. She has concurrently held research and academic roles at UFRN since 2021. Her past positions include clinical roles at Hospital Rio Grande, Hospital Municipal de Campanha, and UPA Esperança, and academic/research posts at Instituto Santos Dumont (ISD), where she contributed to projects on Zika-related pediatric sequelae. From 2016 to 2018, she was a research fellow at the Regional Hospital Dr. Mariano Coelho. Her early experience includes a scholarship-based position at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra. She’s also an active participant in ongoing projects at Instituto Fernandes Figueira and ISD. Valéria’s work combines hands-on physiotherapeutic care with clinical research, specializing in neonatal, neurological, and urological rehabilitation, making her a key contributor in multidisciplinary health teams.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Valéria received an Honorable Mention in 2018 from the Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas do RN for her contribution to the first class of the multiprofessional residency in maternal and child health. In 2015, she won first place in the area of Neonatal and Pediatric Physiotherapy at the III Northeastern Congress of Cardiorespiratory and Intensive Care Physiotherapy (CONEFIR), highlighting her excellence as a student-researcher. These awards recognize her early and continued dedication to improving clinical physiotherapy practice in neonatal and pediatric populations, as well as her commitment to rural health education and service delivery. Her leadership in education and practical training programs, especially in underserved areas, has been widely acknowledged. These honors underscore her impact on both the academic and practical dimensions of physiotherapy and affirm her growing reputation as a committed clinician, researcher, and mentor in Brazil’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Research Interests 🔬

Valéria’s research focuses on neonatal neurophysiology, pediatric rehabilitation, and health impacts of congenital infections such as the Zika virus. At UFRN, her Ph.D. work investigates the relationship between neural activity and visual processing in premature newborns. Through the Instituto Santos Dumont and Instituto Fernandes Figueira, she has contributed to long-term studies on urinary and intestinal dysfunctions in children with congenital Zika syndrome. She integrates neuroengineering principles into pediatric physiotherapy to enhance diagnostic and rehabilitative outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach includes neurodevelopmental monitoring, urological sequelae analysis, and intervention design for affected children. In addition to field research, she is involved in designing care protocols, training health professionals, and evaluating public health strategies. Her work bridges neuroscience, physiotherapy, and maternal-child care, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations. She also serves as a peer reviewer, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practices in neurorehabilitation and child health.

Publications